Dartmouth vs Temple — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Dartmouth is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 80.4% acceptance). Dartmouth ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #401-500). Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $64K). Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $68,268 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Dartmouth for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Temple for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Dartmouth is more selective (5.4% vs 80.4% acceptance); Dartmouth has a higher median SAT (1534 vs 1250).
Dartmouth graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($97K vs $64K); Dartmouth has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.5% vs 75%).
Temple has lower sticker-price tuition ($38,958 vs $68,268); Dartmouth offers a larger average aid package ($75,301 vs $17,833).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Dartmouth | Temple |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #401-500 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 80.4% |
| Yield rate | 70.9% | 15% |
| Median SAT | 1534 | 1250 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.40 |
| Number of applications | 28,230 | 40,817 |
| International students | 17% | 6% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $97K | $64K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $110K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $189K | $92K |
| Graduation rate | 95.5% | 75% |
| Retention rate | 98% | 83% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $24,395 |
| Tuition · year | $68,268 | $38,958 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,301 | $17,833 |
| % of need met | 100% | 60.5% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $24,255 | $41,808 |
| Application fee | — | $55 |
| Enrollment | 7,273 | 29,637 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Dartmouth or Temple?
It's harder to get into Dartmouth. Dartmouth accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Temple accepts 80.4%.
Do Dartmouth or Temple graduates earn more?
Dartmouth graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $97K vs $64K.
How much is tuition at Dartmouth vs Temple?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,268 per year at Dartmouth and $38,958 per year at Temple.
What SAT score do you need for Dartmouth or Temple?
The median admitted SAT score is 1534 at Dartmouth and 1250 at Temple; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Dartmouth or Temple?
Dartmouth ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Dartmouth vs #401-500 for Temple.
Which university offers more financial aid — Dartmouth or Temple?
The average aid package is $75,301 at Dartmouth and $17,833 at Temple.
Harvard
Stanford
Massachusetts institute of technology
Princeton
Yale
Cornell
Penn
Johns hopkins
Washington university
Northwestern